Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka says he always had faith in Victor Valdes, after the goalkeeper's fine display in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Manchester City.
Ex-Barcelona keeper Valdes, 34, made several key saves at the Etihad Stadium despite a nasty cut on his thigh.
However his early Boro career has not been so smooth, notably engaging in an on-pitch argument with team-mate Adam Clayton in the defeat by Tottenham.
"I had no doubt in him, even during the worst moments," Karanka told BBC Tees.
"I knew he was a brilliant player, who has had difficult moments in his [Boro] career and life and now he's playing at his best.